Move over, ellipses, we’ve got new favorite dots in the form of the dotted nail design trend we’ve been seeing pop up all over our TikTok and Insta feeds. We think the new beauty trend might have something to do with a recent surge in adoration for artist Yayoi Kusama following her latest collaboration with Louis Vuitton.
Either way, when it comes to polka, we say dots are in, the dance is out. Maybe we only say that because our two left feet won’t let us do any dance and because the Polka King of the Midwest is long gone (RIP). But, at least you now have enough inspiration to make sure our nails look like a Lichtenstein painting all year long.
Also, if you’re going to try some at home nail art, dots are one of the easiest designs to do. All you’ll need is a relatively steady hand and this tool. 
36 Trendy Dotted Nail Designs To Get This Summer
1. Dotted Mint Nails
Going by traffic rules, green means “go,” as in “go ahead and get these nails done ASAP.”
2. Red Dotted Nails
We’re so fond of nails that remind us of bright flavors like strawberry and cream. Or cherry and strawberry Starbursts. Or maybe we’re just hungry.
3. Swirled Dotted Manicure
These muted, sandy tones and wavy lines have us thinking that maybe Randall from Monsters, Inc. was more inspiring than he was scary.
4. Neutral Dotted Nails
Starting nude and adding a few strategically placed accents is a great idea. Just ask Adam and Eve. Not the snake. Our parseltongue translation skills are terrible.
5. Yellow and Red Dots
Remember Maggie and the ferocious beast? Here’s its glow-up.
6. Black and White Dots
Sometimes you just can’t beat a retro black and white polka dot. Especially if you’re colorblind. Or Barbie.
7. Party City Multicolored Dot Nails
Ever thought, “What If the inside of Party City was a set of nails?” We didn’t either, but now we know.
8. Pink Cupcake Nails
What a strategic use of the dots in the cupcake, and also using a cupcake to get our attention.
9. Dragonfruit Dots
Does it make us think of dragonfruit? Yes. Do we know what pitaya is because of Starbucks? Don’t worry about that.
10. Minimalist Dotted Nail Design
The skeptic: “Less is not always more.” This artist: “Hold my beer.”
11. Yellow and Gold Dotted Nails
Yellow, gold, off-white, and black dots? The bright color scheme is great on nails, bad on teeth.
12. Desert Mosaic Nails
The sweater looks a bit hot for summer, but hey you do you.
13. Floral Dots
This is one of those “more than the sum of its parts” situations. Dots? Cute. Flowers? Cute. Using dots strategically to make flowers? Next level.
14. Flower Manicure
From a distance, it’s a bright and inviting explosion of color! Up close, it’s flowers that don’t give you allergies and don’t attract bees! It’s all good until you have to answer the question “who are you and why is your face so close to my nails?”
15. Blue Dotted Nails
Have a song stuck in your head? Let’s change that. I’m blue, abba dee abba…
16. Rainbow Circles
We haven’t seen a circle of colors that made us this happy since Bob Ross’s palette.
17. 101 Dalmatian Nails
Someone show this to Cruella DeVille to let her know that she can have the look and all the puppies. Win-win.
18. Musical Note Manicure
Now where did we put our matching keyboard tie?
19. Dotted Bubbles
Sure these also look like a promising advertisement for the latest trending sparkling water. Also, watch out, La Croix.
20. Red Hot Dotted Nails
Delicate brush strokes and dots pair off against bright red nails in this manicure.
21. 3D Nails
A totally different take on that whole 3D nail art trend that we didn’t see coming. We really need to open our eyes more often.
22. Big Dots
Dainty dots aren’t for everyone. Be bold, dots!
23. French Manicure Dots
This user gets bonus points for carrying the polka dot theme through to their clothes. We see you.
24. Artsy Dot Manicure
This manicure feels inspired by the Alebrijes, the dotted Oaxacan wood carvings of animals and mythical creatures.
25. Stiletto Dot Nails
You know what they say about long nails. More dots!
26. Simple Dotted Lines
This easy but clever manicure is one you can do at home with any nail polish colors of your choosing. We recommend the ombre.
27. Subtle Polka Dots
Dots are so confident in themselves that they know they don’t have to be the lead. They can support their friends, and not steal the spotlight. We can all stand to learn from dots.
28. Cruella DeVille Nails
This combination of mint green, black, and white feels perfect for summer.
29. Navy Dotted Nails
For a navy-inspired mani, combine blue-and-white stripes and dots with an anchor accent nail.
30. Scalloped Colors
This spring-inspired mani combines bright color blocks with the dotted nail trend.
31. Leopard Nails
These rock and roll nails have a feline edge to them.
32. Orange Creamsicle
They look better than they taste.
33. Metallic Dot Tips
This minimalist approach to the dot trend will still have all eyes on you. Or on the tips of your nails at least.
34. Minnie Mouse Dot Nails
Mini Mouse, mega style.
35. Christmas Dot Nails
Next time someone asks for your help undoing the lights just tell them you’re waiting for your nails to dry.
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